Basset was not just the name of a prominent family of Parisian print publishers, it was a dynasty. Active from the late 17th century into the 19th century, the name 'Basset' was a symbol of continuity and legacy, representing a lineage of print dealers and publishers who worked under that name across several generations.

The firm was especially active during the 18th century, specialising in optical prints, decorative and allegorical prints (such as prints with symbolic or metaphorical elements), religious, historical, and genre scenes, city views and exotic imagery.

Basset’s prints were not just part of the popular visual culture of the Enlightenment era, they were its backbone. Widely distributed and often sold at fairs, in print shops, or via itinerant vendors, their influence was felt far and wide.